…Ontario Sports minster, Consul General laud league’s role
By Frederick Halley
TORONTO, Canada – Long-standing president and founder-member of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL), Albert Ramcharran has announced that he wouldn’t be seeking re-election when the league holds its annual general meeting early in the new year.
Ramcharran, whose two-year term ends shortly, made the announcement at the OSCL 22nd annual presentation, dinner and dance, held at the Estate Banquet Hall, Scarborough, here last Saturday night. He, however, pledged to ensure that all business of the league is fully taken care of prior to the annual general meeting.
Questioned as to the reason for his decision, Ramcharran simply said “enough is enough.”
According to his presidential message in the OSCL brochure, “as one of the founder-members of this league, I can proudly say that this organisation has met most of its objectives over the years, but like in any entity, there exists problems and those were compounded during the just-completed season by gross indiscipline by some bent on destroying what we have strive to establish over the years.
“Despite these few hiccups, we were once again able to complete a very successful and challenging season and based on the feedback and reaction from those at the season-ending matches, softball was indeed the winner.
Ramcharran reiterated that “there are a few members within the OSCL who are bent and making every effort to bring disrepute to the league, both on and off the field. I urge whoever heads this organisation to pay strict attention in this area, lest what was built in 22 years be destroyed.”
Among the major decisions taken at the annual general meeting were to separate the A and B conferences for the T10 and 15-over tournaments with each conference having its own play-off and championship game, all no-balls be free hits and no-balls be called for deliveries above the shoulder in a standing position.
Super overs were also introduced in case of tied games and no games shall go beyond the scheduled time, except in the case of a tie-breaker.
Ramcharran also spoke about the strenuous efforts being made to overcome and to comply with the parks and permit rules in the practise of imbibing in full view of nearby residents at some grounds and players/supporters urinating at undesired places. “While the complaints were less this year, the OSCL is calling on all to desist from these forms of behaviours, as we continue to receive warnings from the authorities.”
Ramcharran took the opportunity to congratulate the winning and runner-up teams and all the other participating teams across all formats in the league.
“Once again, my hard-working executives have been tested to the fullest this year, but have withstood with flying colours. To you I say a ‘big thank you’ for your outstanding and sterling efforts.
“To our several sponsors, including Harri Sukhu, Norman Sue Bakery and Home Trust, we say hearty thanks and look forward to your continued support.
Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Eleanor McMahon, in her message, sent warmest greetings to the OSCL. “As Minister, I recognize the valuable role that organizations like the OSCL play in engaging us in sport and recreation, keeping us active and strengthening our communities.
“Congratulations to the OSCL on 22 years of success. I commend the league’s continuing efforts to promote the sport of softball cricket to participants across the province. Your achievements are truly something to be proud of.”
In her message Consul General (acting), Consulate General of Guyana, Candida Daniels, congratulated and commended the league for its efforts and successes in keeping the game of softball cricket alive for the enjoyment of members of the Guyanese and other cricket-loving Diaspora communities resident in Ontario.
“The league’s effort in promoting educational and cultural activities for the benefit of the community is also highly commendable,” Daniels pointed out.
